Crawford Family Series: Book 2 – 1891 . . . Jolene Crawford Crenshaw, heiress and Boston socialite, went from her family home directly to Landonmore upon her marriage, the mansion she shared with her handsome and charismatic husband. But suddenly she was a widow with little money and just her pride and her secrets to keep her upright. Max Shelby made his fortune in oil wells and cattle but lost … but lost the love of his life the day his wife died, over ten years ago. Now, his happy, carefree, little girl needs instruction and guidance as she grows into a young lady and his dream of becoming a Senator from his adopted state of Texas seems out of reach with few political or social connections. The right wife would solve both problems. His sister knows of a woman, a recent widow, charming, beautiful and socially astute, but in reduced circumstances, who may want to begin again. Max signed the wedding contract sight unseen.
Will Jolene be able to shed her sorrows, anger and fears to begin anew away from the censure and hidden tragedy that marred her life? Is her new husband, confident, strong and capable Max Shelby, the man, the only man, to see past her masks to find the woman beneath?
The Crawford Family Series
Book #1 Train Station Bride
Book #2 Contract to Wed
Companion Novella to Book #2 The Maid’s Quarters
Book #3 Her Safe Harbor
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I liked this book because the author transforms the main female character from someone few would like to someone who is warm. The motivation for her original character is also clear and believable as is the transformation.
Enjoyed this book very much. I had read later books in the series and it was great to learn more about how it all began (no problem reading out of order). Jolene struggles with giving her heart; she is a strong woman. It was uplifting to see both Jolene and Maximillian resolve their past and begin a future together.
Very enjoyable read. Will read again.
It was a good story, fast reading and, to me, an iteresting subject
I loved the characters; they made a wonderful evening reading.
Held my interest kept me interested, loved it
I enjoyed reading this book – Jolene was a strong character that struggled with a lot of conflicting emotions. Max was the knight in shining armor that brought her out of the darkness – great book!
I have to admit that I wasn’t looking forward to this character’s story. If you read the first book, you’ll know why and by the way…read that first!
Quick summary
At the end of the first book, Boston socialite Jolene was married to Turner Crenshaw and the mother of three-year old William. When this story begins, she’s lost both of them, is facing a serious change in her financial situation and is trying to determine her next direction. When she learns Maxmillian Shelby, a wealthy Texas rancher and oilman, is looking for a wife to help him prepare for a political state-wide office run and is willing to pay handsomely, Jolene jumps at the opportunity.
About Jolene
Jolene is beautiful, socially skilled and exceptionally bright. What she isn’t is very nice. She’s aloof but polite; emotionally barren but fully attentive; and, not interested in a committed relationship with her husband but is committed to his goals. Max is at first a bit unsettled when he meets his new wife but it doesn’t take him long to figure out she’s been sorely damaged.
What I loved
I loved the journey Max and Jolene took for her to confront her past, accept who she really is, acknowledge her grief and reach out to those who respected and admired her, in spite of her distance. Max is pretty wonderful and his patience with her was admirable. Unraveling Jolene’s past was heart-wrenching and once revealed, brought me to tears.
The bottom line
This is a really special story that transformed my opinion of a pretty unpleasant character whose true spirit rose from the ashes. The romance is wonderful, passionate and inspired. I loved this story and the set up for the next book is intriguing.
Character building was realistic and interesting. Story was good and lots of twists and turns. Two such different people who eventually became one.
I really enjoyed it.
Nothing to keep you awake at night—Good! Characters were well developed and authentic.
I could not get past her being such a bitter/angry person. Ruined the storyline and I could just not finish it.
Wish the author had hired a fact checker on historical dateline.
It was not A good read for me. I found the characters very boring !